Booker to vote against Tillerson

“America is a beacon of democracy and hope to the world. I do not believe that Mr. Tillerson is the right choice to ensure that this legacy continues,” Booker said in a statement. “For these and other reasons, I will oppose his confirmation.”

Democrats will need help from Republicans to block President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to be the country’s chief diplomat. Republicans hold a one-seat majority on the Foreign Relations Committee, with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) widely viewed as the swing vote for the former Exxon Mobil CEO’s nomination.

{mosads}If Tillerson makes it to the Senate floor, he would also only need 50 votes to be approved by the upper chamber. Republicans have a 52-seat majority.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who previously voiced concerns about the pick, signaled over the weekend that he’s leaning toward supporting Tillerson.

But Booker, who is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, noted he remained “deeply concerned” about answers Tillerson gave during the committee’s hearing last week on myriad issues, including Russia sanctions and a Muslim registry. 

“Recent statements from President-elect Trump describing NATO as ‘obsolete’ and his attacks on the politics of our closest allies further cements my view that America needs a secretary of State who will project confidence — not further insecurity — about our motives and values,” he said. 

Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) told reporters that the committee will hold a vote for Tillerson next week, according to BuzzFeed. 

Other Democratic members of the committee, including Sens. Tim Kaine (Va.) and Jeff Merkley (Ore.), have already announced they will oppose Tillerson, while Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) told reporters that he remains undecided.